California Girls

Michelle, Jacob and I just got back from a quick getaway to sunny So. Cal. It was beautiful! Eric got us buddy passes on Jetblue that we had to use quick, so off we went for some sun and sand. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach, thanks to a great rate on Hotwire.

Thrifty's Rocky Road and Butter Pecan, need I say more?! Even Jacob couldn't resist trying to sneak a bite while his Mom wasn't looking.

It is shameless, I know, to admit what you are about to read. I just want you all to know, it was TOTALLY worth it!!

First trip to In-N-Out, Torrance, Monday night at 9:30 pm. We were on our way from the Long Beach airport to our hotel in Newport Beach. That chocolate shake was thick and delicious!

Second trip to In-N-Out, Costa Mesa, Tuesday morning at 11:30 am. It was breakfast for me. SO GOOD! It is right by South Coast Plaza where we went shopping after we ate.
Third trip to In-N-Out, Westminster, Wednesday afternoon on our way to the Burbank airport to fly back home. I know, we over did it, but it was SO GOOD!

It was so fun to be back in California. Michelle and I really miss the beach, and obviously, In-N-Out. Wish you could have been there!

Little League

Christopher had his first preseason little league baseball game last night.

He is #5 on the Cardinals.

After the game we decided to have a little batting practice for him out in the backyard before his second game this morning. He hit the ball really good, right through the basement window! He was so worried and we were so proud! We gave him high fives for breaking his first window playing baseball.
This morning he got up to bat...
and even made it to first base! Too bad the pitcher had to hit him to get there!!!It is going to be fun going to little league baseball games again. Caleb especially loves the concession stand!

Christopher's marionette program

Christopher's class had a marionette program last week. Every student had to make a marionette of a famous person. Christopher was assigned Jackie Robinson. In between each puppet show, they had songs. This is my child who won't sing in his Primary programs. Maybe if all of the songs had actions he would!

Caleb scores!

Caleb had a soccer game last night and scored a goal. He was so excited! It is hard to tell from this video, but he is the one who runs up to give his coach "five" after he scored. His team is called the Yellow Jets and he's #20. They have either won or tied all of their games so far.

Katrina's recorder concert

Katrina had her recorder concert at school today. She has been practicing night and day for months. This is the song we hear around the house the most, which was the hardest song they had to learn. She did a great job!

Check out my Slide Show!

A little about us

I figured I had better tell a little about us to get people up to speed. Jim and I moved to Bountiful, UT in 1997 and have moved three times within a three block radius. We rented an apartment, then a house, and then finally bought a house 5 years ago. We love the area we live in. Although, I am not too sure about the weather right now. We are still beach bums at heart. I just looked out the window, I can see blue skies in the distance, but it is snowing here! Ugh! When will spring come??
We have three amazing kids. Katrina is 10 years old (going on teenager!) and in the 4th grade. She loves music and playing with friends. Christopher is 9 years old (yes, he was a surprise, they are 16 mo. apart) and in the 3rd grade. He loves Lego's, Pokemon cards, and just started little league. He is on the Cardinals. Caleb is 6 years old (almost 7) and in 1st grade. He loves basketball, soccer, riding his bike, jumping on the tramp, etc. He is my active one. OK, Now it is hailing pea sized hail!!! I miss California!!!
I am enjoying my first taste of freedom in 10 years. All of the kids are in school all day, which leaves me time to do WHATEVER I WANT! I love it!! I read a lot, spend time with my sister Michelle and her new baby, Jacob, I am catching up on movies I haven't had time to see, lunch with friends, book club, NAPS!! I have also been working "on call" at the LDS Church office bldg. doing food preparation for their banquet services for the past 6 years and food prep for golf tournaments and wedding receptions at Eaglewood golfcourse for the past year. I mainly worked nights and Saturdays until the kids were in school, now I only work while they are at school. It is my fun money and I love the places I work and the people I work with. I work only the days and times that I want. It is perfect for my life right now. I have been thinking a lot lately about what I want to be "when I grow up", so far I just want to enjoy the quiet days while the kids are gone! I am thinking about finally going back to school, but just haven't found the motivation yet. Maybe next year.
Jim is working at Deseret Transportation. He oversees the LDS Humanitarian shipments all over the world. I often joke that "by plane, train, boat, or donkey cart", Jim is the one who gets it where it needs to go. (Yes, once he had to hire a donkey cart to get a shipment somewhere. I can't remember if it was India or Indonesia, somewhere like that.) He loves his job and I am grateful that he has a job he loves. It is so wonderful to see him making a difference in the world everyday. Jim just finished getting his Masters degree last summer and promises that he will never go back to school again. I am holding him to that promise. That was a long 2 1/2 years!
Well, that is a start. I need to leave some things for another post.
Love, Candice

A new beginning

This is the beginning of a new era! Finally, a blog for the Karper family has begun. I have been having so much fun looking at everyone else's blogs that I decided it was about time to start our own. Wish me luck!